Located in Northern Africa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Casablanca is often associated with the film classic of the same name. Morocco’s biggest and economic capital city is home to over four million inhabitants and possesses one of the largest harbors in Africa. ‘Casa’ magnetizes visitors with its ancient style, contemporary mosques and stunning beaches.
The city’s most imposing landmark is the gigantic Mosque Hassan II, boasting the world’s highest minaret (575 feet). Further places of interest are the outstanding Cathedral of Sacré Coeur, the appealing Church of Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Habous quarter. The old Arab town, or Old Medina, with its small 18th century fortress and numerous French colonial edifices is also well-worth visiting, as is the old Jewish quarter.
Casablanca is famous for its warm welcome, and visitors will find countless first rate accommodation options, excellent dining places and stylish cafés. Aïn Diab is the city’s beach periphery, renowned for its trendy beach clubs, various restaurants and numerous nightlife establishments. A trip to the ritzy district of Anfa, with its exclusive villas looking out over the breathtaking ocean, might leave those back home green with envy.
Highlights
Hassan II Mosque: this gigantic mosque is the world’s tallest religious building and houses a museum, library, Quran school and steam baths.
Old Medina: located in Casablanca’s center, this original Arab town contains stone houses, a labyrinth of alleys packed with innumerable shops and an impressive 18th century bastion.
Habous quarter: the ‘district of holy men’ was constructed by the French in the 1930s in order to integrate traditional architecture into a contemporary suburban quarter.
The Marabout: this burial place for saints is placed on a stony island and is one of Morocco’s noteworthy religious sites, visited by many pilgrims.
Casablanca Festival: held in July, this is one of Casablanca’s most important music events offering visitors art, cinema and street theater, with over 400 entertainers participating.
Sacré Coeur Cathedral: set on the edge of Ligue Arabe Park is this disused yet magnificent structure which doubles as a fine example of Mauresque architecture.